USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

After reading Mrs. T's eloquent review and all her reasons for posting her review I felt compelled to post mine. Its true that writing its is cathartic, but even more I hope this helps other brides like so many helped me.

I would also like to emphasize that my band MADE our night! Please FM me for more info, they are particularly wonderful if you are an Italian-American bride.

NUMERO UNO!

Thank you to LIW and the girls on LIW. Besides all the feedback, ideas, and advice I received on the boards being a part of LIW really enhanced my enjoyment of wedding planning. Not to sound like ‘poor me’ but my mother was barely involved, I have no sisters, and my BMs all live far away (the BMs were all a blessing and wonderful though) SO having LIW gave me a chance to share my plans and have that cheerleading for my efforts that enable a bride to enjoy the planning process. YOU GIRLS made the wedding process fun, YOU GIRLS made my wedding better with all your experiences, opinions, and help, and YOU GIRLS are just the best.

I will enjoy seeing the success and happiness of your weddings shared in LIW, particularly the ‘05s who I’ve enjoyed seeing their planning posts for the past year plus and to my May brides and USMMA gals who have been in step with me…thank you! A big thank you to Nautical Bride aka Danielle-you rock!

Heartfelt THANKS to Ron and Liz, LIW is heaven sent!

OK, on to the ****REVIEW****!

SAVE THE DATES:

I made my own after seeing a photo strip magnet in Martha Stewart wedding magazine. The company that made the magnets is in NY, NY and they cost about $500…WHOA! So I made my own with a digital camera, color printer, MS WORD and magnet paper (from Staples.) They turned out A-OK.

I stuck them inside of brochures I made. I created a Word document, bought tri-fold paper from Staples and printed in color.

The envelopes are résumé paper envelopes from Staples. I embossed the flap with our address (embosser from Wilshire Press) and printed the envelopes with addresses (mail merge in Word from my wedding address Excel spreadsheet.)

Everyone loved the magnets!







WILSHIREPRESS.com (embosser)-rating: A

Great service! I bought one embosser and a few plates along the engagement trail/ planning process for different projects (STDs, menus, X-mas cards, thank yous) and they were all really cute. I also bought the menu paper from them-very quick delivery, fair price and excellent e-help. I will keep using their website for embosser plates and paper.



Here is the menu. I embossed the top and used Word to create the menu.



PLANNING GUIDES:
I bought every magazine in April 2004 that was out…and kept buying. No preference, they all gave me ideas for all kinds of things, but I do love Martha-the pictures are always so pretty.

I bought a bag and notebook kit from Exclusively Weddings (dot com), the Organized Bride kit. LOVE IT! Worked great and was so cute to use. ExclusivelyWeddings.com is a little overpriced hence I give them a 'B' rating. The service is fine and the products fun.

INVITATIONS:

Piccolo Press- rating: A (http://www.piccolopressusa.com)

I’m pretty decisive so I knew I wanted simple but a little different, and very high quality. So I began to look at magazines, and noticed a picture in one by Piccolo Press, a Scottish company. They have a neat website, and I ordered samples when I liked what I saw. LOVED the sample-heavy, engraved, elegant invitations. They looked a little nautical; they looked a little British, very neat. I worked with the US rep, Holly Temple, mostly online, a little by phone and she was wonderful. They sent detailed proofs, recommendations, when I needed extra envelopes after the invitations were delivered she sent them for free. The invitations were engraved so I have the copperplates which I plan on framing with an invite and photo from the wedding. I will warn you for engraved invitations these are very fairly priced BUT in comparison to thermography they are expensive. For me I adjusted areas important and not important for spending/budget purposes and invitations were near the top. Worth every penny in my mind.


CALIGRAPHY:

Anne Robin- rating A++++ ( www.annerobin.com )

One of my absolute favorite vendors. TALENT. She is absolutely talented. I ran across her website in a Google search (one of MANY searched I embarked on while planning.) After phoning her about prices and doing a bit more calling I realized her prices are on the low end, and I loved her samples on the website. So I went with my gut instinct that told me she would do a great job. When I received the envelopes back in a very quick amount of time I was SHOCKED at how beautiful they were. I had to have white ink because the envelopes were blue and they were flawless. Everyone commented on how lovely the hand calligraphy was, and I was so proud to send out my invitations.




DRESS:

Kleinfelds- rating B

I was very intimidated by Kleinfelds. The glossy ads in the upper crust bridal magazines turned me off but they had all the makers I was leaning toward so I went with my sister. They mean business, your credit card will be charged if you miss you appointment. But I liked that. I had been to two other smaller shops that gave me more time. From my experiences of already trying on some dresses I kinda knew what I was looking for which was good because you get a short amount of time. That’s why I give them a B. If you need more time it might be a problem. Luckily, I had a nice lady helping-I forget her name but she was nice. I never felt intimidated. I did have to pay #250 extra for getting a size 16 WHICH I knew would be a big and it was so a felt a little ripped off, but they did ship the dress promptly, were helpful to me over the phone on numerous occasions (I live in VA so a lot was done over the phone) and even quickly got me extra fabric from the maker when I wanted to make a tie for my Dad. I would go there because they KNOW what they are doing. They did give me 20% off too, which was great, and I paid no tax since it was shipped out-of state. Dress was exactly as ordered-size, color, style-no mistakes.











ALTERATIONS:

Elegance Boutique- rating A-

Fast service and very nice. Roya is extremely talented. I only would have like the very top to be a little tighter.



BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES:

Hannelore’s- rating D

This is a big, fancy dress shop in Old Town Alexandria, VA so for most girls reading this it won’t matter. But if you have a friend in VA, or maybe you happen to live in the area (there seemed to be a few of us when I was planning) stay away from this store. You can order the same gown somewhere else and save yourself and your girls’ heartache and pain. They basically lied to me and it was infuriating.

I needed a place to get my gown altered and all of my BMs lived OOT. They sell the brand I was looking for in BM gown and do dress alterations. When I went there and talked to a MANAGER I asked her if I got my BM dresses there (5 @ OVER $250 EACH!) could I get my dress altered there since I was giving them business. She said yes. Fast forward. After placing the BM dress order I come back to make my dress alteration appt. and they say no. They are just too busy. They were rude, short and unapologetic. Furthermore each one of BMs had difficulty paying and ordering their dresses as well as getting them shipped. I wanted to rip my hair out each time a BM called telling me how rudely they were treated. They got the orders right but that was about it. I would NOT recommend dealing with them. I even went there to complain and Hannelore herself would not meet with me. Overpriced-snotty-HORRID customer service-a big D!

Here is one of my troopers with the all important spanx! I love you girls!!!






EARRINGS:

Ross Simons- rating A ( www.ross-simons.com )

OK, I have a little confession. I bought these knowing I was going to return them. I thought the celebs borrow their gear! So my earrings were my something borrowed, teehee. They were real pearl and diamond and if I could have afforded to keep them I would have, they were so pretty! I do recommend Ross Simons—GREAT service, beautiful jewelry (both real and costume) and the prices are reasonable for what you get. I love the unique designs too.
I hope I don’t get in trouble now-I only wore them the one day!



CORSET:
Meschantes.com- rating B (http://www.meschantes.com )

I did love my corset, although in the rush to get a small waist I think it was a little too tightly ties—but that was my fault. The only reason I gave them a B versus an A was because of the price. They are expensive! But it worked! I was cinched in for sure! Lost about 3 “ on my waist. My style of wedding dress didn’t really need it, but I think it helped me feel a little thinner and stand up straight for sure!



GARTER:

Angel Threads- rating A ( www.angelthreadsnyc.com )
Beautiful, timeless garter that I will keep and pass down. I wore one to throw and one to keep and I love my keeper!


SHOES:

Zappos.com- rating A
Great service and price. They even gave me free shipping. Could not ask for more from an online store. Shoes were exactly as advertised and I loved them.



Purse was from www.perfectdetails.com, the Jackie clutch. A little pricey but a nice selection and I received the item immediately. You can see the purse below.



Monogrammed ribbon for bride’s bouquet, www.filigreemonograms.com, will be a keepsake. I love the pictures that show its detail. I’ll be proud to pass this on. They have wonderful service and reasonable prices. The ribbon is on my bo-k below.



Extras

Another great site, www.classybride.com has the Soon-to-be-Mrs. So & so hoodie set and the Mrs. So & so swimsuit I bought. LOVED them both. Another little extra that made me feel fun and like a star that day. Both were pricey but worth it (to me.) My husband LOVED the swimsuit!!!






Groom and groomsmen

Just a few pics of my handsome guy and his buddies. We rented tuxes from a shop in Hawthorne, NJ, convienant for the few who needed them. Since we had mixed military services and civilians I stuck with a basic tux for those not in uniform and I think they all looked great in the end together.





REHEARSAL DINNER:

Vespa- rating A

Wonderful, warm, GREAT food.
We had the entire back room to ourselves which comfortably sat 40 people. The owners are from Italy and the food reflects that, so very good. We had a set menu and open bar and it was very reasonably priced. I highly recommend Vespa.






HAIR:

Jen, The Hair Genie- rating: A+++++
I found Jen on LIW and she is one the reasons I am so thankful for LIW—she is a dream. Jen is both a friend and professional. She did my hair and all of my BMs and we were all THRILLED! I had one trial and it was with Jen and I knew I had found a very capable person-I honestly believe she can do anything with your hair! She brought different color extensions and added them to two of my BMs who have thinner hair-they LOVED it! I was not the least bit nervous about my hair turning out how I envisioned it and it did. She was sweet, chatty, and fun as we all enjoyed having her so our hair. Call and book her as soon as possible, I’m positive I was lucky to get her and so grateful I did!





MAKE-UP:

I did my own after two trials. Both were fine, but being someone who loves make-up and uses it everyday, I looked at the results of each trial and thought I can do this! So I bought all new stuff before the wedding and did a few runs the weeks beforehand. Doing my make-up with my BMs in the bridal suite was fun and I still have all the new, fun, bling-bling make-up I bought for the wedding.



PROGRAMS:

Bellaterra.net- rating A (www.bellaterra.net)
These are DIY programs that come ready to assemble with the exception of the middle pages. You have to do your inserts in some sort of Word or publisher program. The labels for the cover are done, just have to be attached with gluedots. They are nice alternative to paying more for predone programs.
I also bought little bags with labels for gifts to everyone that attended my shower (I gave them Rosebud lipbalm.)




CAKE TOPPER:

JW Cake tops-rating A ( www.jwcaketops.com )
Quick service and we loved our little topper.



VOTIVE CANDLE HOLDERS:

Cudge.net- rating A

Fast and good quality, the price was right too. I did votive placecards and they turned out great. I used vanilla scented tealights from Target. My guests thought they were another favor and many took them or commented how they were ‘sad’ they forgot their candle. I was surprised how much folks liked them. I have to thank sonicstef. When I was first engaged I was on theknot.com a lot (since then I found the BETTER wedding website, LIweddings.com) and Stef gave me the idea and how-to from her bio and website. Thank you Stef.

SHUTTLE:

Ultimate Class Limo- rating F

Terrible. Had me in tears the day before. I won’t go on and on for fear of retribution but FM me if you want the story. I will take the high road here just leave it at strongly NOT recommending Ultimate Class Limos.

SEATING CHART/ TABLE NUMBER TENTS:

Documentsanddesigns.com- rating B-

The seating chart was really pretty, but expensive. When I scan in the photo I’ll add it. The guests loved our chart, it was very helpful (we had the votives already lit and at the table) and we had tables numbers that matched the chart. Everything looked great.



FLOWERS:

Jennifer, Verbena Designs- rating A +++++ ( http://www.verbenadesigns.com )

Jennifer was wonderful. Being an OOT bride I called numerous florists. Jen was one of the few who called back and the only one to send a detailed proposal of the work to be done. I had a few changes and she made another proposal and sent it promptly. She never flinched when I said budget-love that. When I finally met with her, she had my signature on a contract and my money so she could have blown me off but she did not. We met to flesh out the details and she was wonderful.
She was early the day of the wedding and threw in two free hydrangea wreaths-something I had cut out due to my limited budget! How sweet! She did the flowers for my hair, centerpieces, boutonnières. etc…i loved everything!
Jennifer was one of my favorite vendors. She may be a little soft-spoken but SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE IS DOING, and is a complete sweetheart. I wholeheartedly recommend her/.





CHURCH

United States Merchant Marine Academy- Mariner’s Memorial Chapel

If you are getting married at the USMMA chapel get a DOC. They give you a midshipman, and mine was very nice, but they do not really know what to do. A DOC would have saved a little confusion.









RECEPTION

United States Merchant Marine Academy, Melville Hall Officer’s Club- rating A+++++

Mr. Richard Stancati is an angel.
He has years of experience and it shows. When you first meet him he may see a little rough and busy. He is focused on the now, and he knows that when your day comes he WILL make your day perfect. Meanwhile it is someone else’s day and you are another bride who doesn’t realize that Mr. Stancati is ALL about perfection. My advice: LISTEN TO HIM. He will recommend what you would want. He knows people, he can tell your tastes, he gives you solutions not problems. We had minimal interaction before the wedding, and when the day came it was perfect.
His servers are always attending your guests.
The bar is pouring drinks like nobody’s business.
The cocktail hour and dinner meal will be perfection.
Everyone RAVED about the Prime Rib, love d my hors’derves, and Stancati perfectly orchestrated the night. Thanks to him I didn’t have to shell out for a DOC. Everything was great and we had the best time.










BAND

John Christian Entertainment- rating AAAAAA+++++++++++++!!! (http://www.jce-music.com)

Another WOW vendor.
Johnny can do anything! We danced all night. Between he and hall manager I didn’t need a DOC for the reception, they had it all taken care of. I don’t have any pictures of them scanned but they were professional, fun, and so talented! All of my more musically talented and inclined guests raved about the band, and we were so happy with them. Thank you Johnny!





HOTEL

The Inn at Great Neck- rating A (http://www.innatgreatneck.com )

Great hotel.
The rooms were clean and well appointed. Staff was friendly. My DH spoke to the bartender the day before the wedding and let him know we would be going there afterward if he would stay open. He did, till 2 am for us, which they normally close around 11ish. He was so nice.
Same guy was the bartender/omelet chef the next morning. We hosted a breakfast in Giraffe Room. Very nice. It was both fun to carry the wedding into the bar and talk to folks a little more and then talk some more then morning before everyone left. The breakfast was a good price and they let us charge per head, no mando amount of people or RSVP stuff. I just sent out invites and people came if they wanted to. I’m so glad we did it. Good food and good time.

THANK YOUS

www.photocardcreations.com



A few more pictures from the day...











We had a great time and I love being married…

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Your wedding was beautiful!!! Wonderful review too

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

STUNNING. You looked like a model.

Your style was so timeless and classy.
Love. love your hair.

That's exactly how I envisioned sending my stds, with a brochure.

I saved your review onto my notebook

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Great review!

I love the picture of you and your new hubby sitting down by the window with the sun setting.

You look beautiful!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Amazing !!!!

PS why on Earth why did u have to order a size 16 dress!!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Thanks you guys! The brochures really helped my OOT guests-which was practically everyone!

I was heavier when I bought my dress-but not that much. I guess between the crazy bridal measurements (which goes for brides and BMs) and my boobs-haha-I was a 16. The number never bothered me-that's life-just the extra money I could have saved!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

WOw. You looked breathtaking. Everything looks perfect. Congratulations!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Christian!! So happy to see your review back!! It was missed!! This is one of my favorite reviews...just love everything about it. And you are one of the classiest, prettiest brides ever!!

Happy 1st anniversary to you and Frank....and many many many more!!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Sasha! 1 year wooohoooo! rock on!

Thanks for the always kind words! And congrats to you on 1 year!!!! Many, many more blessed years to you and your husband!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

I am so happy to see your review back on the boards. Your wedding was an inspiration to me and countless other brides.

Happy Anniversary!!!!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

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Posted by bluesashbride

Thanks you guys! The brochures really helped my OOT guests-which was practically everyone!

I was heavier when I bought my dress-but not that much. I guess between the crazy bridal measurements (which goes for brides and BMs) and my boobs-haha-I was a 16. The number never bothered me-that's life-just the extra money I could have saved!

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I hear you - I had a similar issue when they ordered my dress (from Kleinfeld too)

Beautiful dress -

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Aw! I love seeing your pretty pics again! Beautiful and hope all is well!!!!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Hi Christian,
Happy Anniversary to my Wedding Twin!!

So great to see your review again - your review is just as fun to read all over again, and of course the pics are so beautiful and all of the details so elegant!

My DH just attended a graduation reception at your hall the other day. Hope you and DH are doing well! FM me!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

yay!! my favorite bride and favorite review is back !!!!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Thanks Danielle! I will FM you!

And thank you too Melissa-YOU were a beautiful bride!! I LOVE looking at your review!!!!!!!

Katrina- thank you, that is the highest compliment because I love how your wedding turned out. And your wedding review...WOW!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

STUNNING....everything looks so gorgeous.

Congrats and Happy Anniversary to you!!!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

what a stunning wedding! you looked so beautiful!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Just looking through reviews and I saw yours - OMG you are gorgeous!!!!!! Just had to post that and year and a half later!!!!!!

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

Fantastic review. You looked beautiful!!!

One question - why on earth would they order you a size 16?????

Re: USMMA Wedding Review 5-21-05

My goodness you looked gorgeous. I love your dress! Congratulations!